By SA Power Networks 1st July 2024
For the third year in a row, SA Power Networks' Community Grants program is making a real difference at a local level. This year, over half of the funding is dedicated to projects in regional and remote communities, empowering South Australians across the state.
We are thrilled to announce that 30 diverse groups are receiving grants of up to $5k in 2024. These passionate organisations will deliver impactful projects that benefit their communities.
Imagine solar panels and battery storage powering community centers, schools equipped with cutting-edge STEM tools, vibrant community gardens flourishing, and educational programs addressing energy transition, bill reduction, and upcycling. These are just a few examples of the exciting initiatives our grants are supporting this year.
Over 150 groups applied for grants, which responded to our renewed program focus areas of building a sustainable South Australia and fostering innovation for future growth.
We'd like to thank everyone who applied for this year's Grants program. Our assessment panel was greatly impressed by the wonderful work happening in our communities. The sheer volume and quality of applications made the selection process very competitive.
Since the inception of our Community Grants program in 2022, we have proudly contributed over $375,000 towards community group projects.
At SA Power Networks, we are proud to be a strong community partner. These grants empower the many (often volunteer-led) organisations that make South Australia a great place to live.
We look forward to sharing the stories of this year's recipients with you over the coming months!
2024 Community Grant Recipient Locations
Please see the full list of recipients below.
| Organisation | Project | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Amazing Northern Multicultural Services | Funding towards solar panels to reduce electricity costs and extend community hall hours to support culturally diverse and disadvantaged community members. | Greater Metro |
| Back Valley Tennis Club Inc. | Install a 5.28kw solar system to become more self-sufficient, reduce electricity costs, and promote renewable energy. | Fleurieu Peninsula |
| Balgowan Progress Association Inc. | Replace pigeon-damaged solar panels, and pigeon proofing to prevent future damage. | Yorke Peninsula |
| Basket Range Cricket Club | Install a 10kw battery to store solar energy and reduce electricity costs, with plans to install an EV charger using the savings generated. | Adelaide Hills |
| Bat Rescue SA | Equipment to rescue and rehabilitate Adelaide's growing bat population. | Greater Metro |
| Bute Early Learning and Primary School | Purchase Makeblock Mbot 2 Robotic Kits and Makedo Kits to promote STEM learning across all year levels. | Yorke Peninsula |
| Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation | Funding for the Ceduna Education Reform Project (CERP) to deliver STEM activities within their Homework Club and Learning Hub. These activities aim to encourage innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking in children from culturally diverse backgrounds. | Eyre Peninsula |
| Community Care and Transport Inc. | Funding towards a solar system with battery storage to reduce electricity costs at their Minlaton office. This will free up funds to serve more vulnerable clients in the community. | Yorke Peninsula |
| Coromandel Valley Primary School | Bring back native animals by planting local indigenous and native plants, which were previously removed to make way for an accessible ramp. | Greater Metro |
| Eudunda and Districts Community Op Shop | Run free workshops on energy efficiency, upcycling, and budget cooking. This will empower residents to reduce costs, improve health, and build community connections. | Mid North |
| Gawler Environment Centre | Install solar panels for a Sustainable Living Demonstration Site, to showcase sustainable living, reduce electricity costs, and offer educational resources to the community. | Barossa, Light and Lower North |
| Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School | Funding for solar panels on their reception classroom roof, led by a passionate student council. This project aims to reduce pollution, promote clean energy, and inspire students to make a positive environmental impact. | Greater Metro |
| Hawker Development Board Inc. | Create a community garden for locals and visitors to grow produce, connect with each other, and celebrate cultural diversity. | Flinders Ranges |
| Henley Surf Life Saving Club | Replace a faulty solar inverter to continue generating clean energy and power their lifesaving operations. | Greater Metro |
| Hills Environment Centre | Kaurna Kardla Cultural Burn Workshops. This project aims to teach residents in the Adelaide Hills how to use cultural burns, a traditional Aboriginal practice, to reduce bushfire risk, improve soil health, and mitigate climate change. | Adelaide Hills |
| Karoonda Community Men's Shed (operating as a Section 41 committee of DistrictCouncil of Karoonda East Murray) | Funding solar panels to reduce energy costs, promote sustainability, and reinvest savings in programs for men's health and social inclusion. | Murray Mallee |
| Kimba & Gawler Ranges Historical Society Inc. | Install solar panels to reduce the Museum's carbon footprint and reduce electricity costs. | Eyre Peninsula |
| Pioneer Court Community Garden Inc. | To construct composting bins to turn garden waste into compost for the garden, which provides free produce to the local community, Foodbanks and women's shelters. | Greater Metro |
| Polish Society Dom Mikolaja Kopernika Inc. | Window tinting to reduce energy costs and better serve diverse community groups who use their facilities. | Greater Metro |
| Port Vincent Progress Association Inc. | Install solar panels to reduce electricity costs, promote sustainability, and benefit the entire community. | Yorke Peninsula |
| Renown Park Children's Centre | Veggie pods to grow native bush tucker plants to be gifted to the local community. With the aim to promote food security, habitat creation, and cultural knowledge. | Greater Metro |
| SA Country Fire Service (CFS) (on behalf of Happy Valley CFS) | Replace existing fuel powered tools with battery-operated ones to reduce emissions, improve safety, and create a healthier work environment for volunteers. | Greater Metro |
| Scouts SA (on behalf of Blackwood Scout Group) | Lithium battery, solar panels and associated accessories to the existing Blackwood Scouts trailer. | Greater Metro |
| South East City Residents Association Inc. | To plant an additional Miyawaki Pocket Forest in Victoria Park (Pakapakanthi), alongside a control plot to compare growth rates and potential benefits for biodiversity and community science engagement. | Adelaide Metro |
| State Opera South Australia | To tour a modern opera, The Frog Prince, to regional primary schools in the Riverland. The opera teaches environmental messages and exposes children to the art form. | Greater Metro |
| Sustainable Communities South Australia Inc. (on behalf of Electrify Adelaide) | Community awareness, education and advocacy for the electrification of households and their domestic transport. | Adelaide Hills |
| Tailem Bend Community Centre | Purchase interactive trees which will be used to share Ngarrindjeri stories to connect residents, tourists, and promote cultural heritage. | Murray Mallee |
| Tea Tree Gully Toy Library | To purchase STEM toys (and shelving for organised storage) to lend to members and promote early STEM learning in children. | Greater Metro |
| Williamstown Action Group | Install a rapid EV charger to attract tourists, boost local businesses, and position Williamstown as a key location in the EV charging network. | Barossa, Light and Lower North |
| Youth Options | Install battery storage to utilise solar power more effectively, reduce energy costs, and serve as a model for sustainable practices in the non-profit sector. | Adelaide Metro |
Thank you to everyone who applied, and we look forward to bringing the grants back for 2025. Keep an eye on ourCommunity Grantspage for information.
SA Power Networks Community Grants, Commuity Grants, Community Grants 2024, Fund recipients
